Master Guide for Team Sports Photography

by James Williams

Overview

A comprehensive look at all aspects of photographing sports teams—from selecting and using equipment to processing and presenting the images while building a client base—this reference proves indispensable to any photographer looking to expand their repertoire or branch out into a new profession. Professional guidance covers topics ranging from working with school administrations and coaches to the keys to capturing subjects in motion. Chapters on creating attractive, salable group packages and forming a distinctive business plan are also included.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781584282150
Publisher:	Amherst Media, Incorporated
Publication date:	11/01/2007
Pages:	126
Product dimensions:	8.69(w) x 10.93(h) x 0.32(d)

About the Author

James Williams is a professional photographer and the author of "How"to Create High Profit Photography Business in Any Market." He is the president of the Society of Northern Ohio Professional Photographers. He lives in Warren, Ohio.

Table of Contents

Introduction     5
About the Author     7
Establish Your Business     8
Set Short and Long-Range Goals     8
Make Everything Reflect Your Image     11
Develop Great Telephone Skills     13
Dress the Part     16
Speak as a Professional     17
Keep a Professional-Looking Studio     17
Maintain Good Public Relations     17
Join Professional Organizations     19
Master Good Management Techniques     19
Manufacturer and Retailer     19
Get Smart About Pricing     21
Surround Yourself with Great Employees and Suppliers     23
Run the Business, Don't Let it Run You     24
Start Small and Grow Gradually     25
Success Leaves Clues     26
Equipment Selection     28
Camera Systems     28
Ease of Handling and Weight     28
Write Speed     28
Dynamic Range     28
Lenses     29
Camera Supports     32
Battery Life     35
Lighting     36
On-Camera Flash     36
Portable Strobes     36
Light Modifiers     39
Products and Packages     40
Products You Will Want to Offer     40
Lab Products     41
Additional Products     41
Franchise Deals     41
Packages You Will Want to Offer     43
Number and Price of Packages     43
Base Package     46
Buddy Package     47
Additional Items     48
School Sports     50
How to Get an Assignment in a School System     50
Who Decides     50
How to Apply for the Job     51
When to Look for Jobs     52
Contracts     52
Who's Your Boss?     53
The Shoot     56
Before the Shoot     56
The Day of the Shoot     57
Schedule a Retake Day     58
Additional Services That May Be Expected     58
Photographing Game Action     59
Photographing Clubs and Organizations     60
Photographing School Dances     60
Other Images     63
You're Only as Good as Your Last Job     63
League Sports     64
How to Get Hired by a League     64
Who Decides      64
Educate the Client     64
Your Presentation     66
Organizing the Teams for Picture Day     66
Time Schedule     66
Order Forms     68
The Photo Shoot     69
Schedule a Retake Day     71
Don't Rest on Your Laurels     71
Indoor and Outdoor Portraits     72
Indoor Shots     72
Backdrops     72
Studio Lighting     73
White Balance and Exposure     76
Outdoor Portraits     78
Potential Problems     78
Lighting Techniques     81
Posing Techniques     87
The Basic Poses     87
Head-and-Shoulders Poses     87
Three-Quarter-Length Poses     88
Full-Length Poses     88
Tips for Flattering the Body     88
The Shoulders     88
Tilting the Head     88
Chin Height     88
Eyes     88
Arms     88
Hands     90
Torso     90
Legs     90
Hips and Thighs     91
Feet     91
Tips for Posing Individual Players      91
Young Athletes     91
Teen Athletes (and Older)     92
Expression     92
Styling     93
Posing Groups and Teams     94
Bookending     95
Head Heights     95
Hands     96
Subject Proximity     97
Focus     98
Hierarchy     99
Final Check     99
Beauty is in the Eye of the Check-Book Holder     100
How to Photograph Game Action     101
Equipment and Basic Shooting Techniques     101
Exposure     101
Focus     103
Know the Sports     103
Football     104
Soccer     105
Volleyball     106
Golf and Cross Country     106
Tennis     108
Softball and Baseball     109
Who to Photograph     110
When to Deliver the Images     110
Additional Income from Game Action     111
Business Skills: After the Shoot     112
Handling the Money and Bank Deposits     112
Dealing with Bad Checks     112
Matching Checks and Subjects     112
Bank Policies and Deposit Fees     113
Credit Cards     115
Dealing with Your Photo Lab     115
Educate Yourself     115
Internet     115
Calibrate Your Monitor     116
Be Clear and Concise     116
Leave Room for Cropping     118
Rush lobs     118
Pay on Time     119
Packaging the Job     119
Make it Easy for the Coaches     121
Exceed Your Delivery Times     121
Follow Up After the Job Has Been Delivered     122
Conclusion     123
Vendors     124
Index     125

Editorial Reviews

"Provides tips to improve your business by showing how to set short-and-long term goals, creating a professional image, choosing the right equipment, selecting novelty props that appeal to clients and more."  —Shutterbug

From the Publisher